This is a Psalm about warfare and victory. The Israelites had conquered the Promised Land but were still surrounded by many enemies who were wanting to destroy. Warfare was a necessary way of life for their survival. David knew that in the battle, the Lord was his only hope.

David acknowledges how it is the Lord who trained him for battle (v1). Even before he had gone to face Goliath, the Lord had trained him for battle while looking after the sheep (1 Samuel 17 v34-37).

It is important for us to be aware that we are engaged in spiritual warfare and to be equipped to use the weapons the Lord has given us (see Ephesians 6 v10-20).

The words that David uses to describe the Lord speaks of the great security that the Lord brings (v1-2). The Lord is David’s rock, steadfast love, fortress, stronghold, deliverer and shield.

David’s great confidence in the Lord comes from how he viewed the Lord so much higher than human beings (v3-8).